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Ski/Sea Plane Operations

Thanks for the advise. We just received 18" of snow here in SW MI but don't have Skies on yet.

hilltop180

12/6/2016 9:31 PM

You'll enjoy ski flying. You have bought some good skis. Remember brakes don't work in deep snow and on glare ice even with wheel penetration skis. Start out conservative and work your way into more exciting bush work. Getting stuck is no fun as Arnold was saying. The wheel penetration skis are more "draggy" on the snow than straight or retractable skis so will take more distance to get off than the other types in the same conditions. Give yourself plenty of room to start with until you get a good feel for them. Watch out for snow machine tracks, they can give you a good thump or throw you off track. Carry good survival gear for all occupants and require everyone to wear appropriate clothing. Good luck and have fun.

ArnoldV

12/6/2016 8:13 PM

It is a lot rougher than flying on floats.

Watch out for ruts made on the snow on a lake that then freeze hard as a rock.

When landing follow proper procedure by doing a touch and go then fly over your tracks. If you see blue in the tracks do not land. Getting stuck in slush is no fun.

If you do land then do a few circles to create a firm packing in the same track. Stop the airplane for a few seconds then pull ahead a few feet and stop the airplane and repeat this process a few times to cool down the skis. Best to finally pull the skis up on 2x4 or cedar bows to keep of snow.

If skis get small frozen ice on the bottom you can run the engine at full throttle have the tail lift in the air and not move forward an inch. Trust me on this last point! It took hours to clean of the skis so I could takeoff!

Your engine should have a eating system. Bring a Honda 1000 generator and warm up the engine properly. Be patient. You want the engine to start the first time. I have a Rief heating system. I take a good hour with an insulated engine cover to bring the engine to an acceptable starting temp.

If you have never flown on skis get someone to show as it is not like wheels or floats.

Keep updated emergency equipment, food, tent, and a good sleeping bag. Getting stuck on a lake in winter overnight if you are not properly prepared.